Manufacturing software provider Plex Systems Inc. said Thursday it saw record revenue during the first three months of 2009 even as manufacturing overall continues a steep downturn.

The privately held company, based in Auburn Hills, did not release detailed financial figures. But it said first-quarter revenue rose 25 percent over the same period in 2008 and that the company closed out 2008 on a 33 percent year-over-year increase in revenue.

The company attributed first-quarter revenue growth to additional business from existing customers as well as eight new customers, including wind turbine manufacturer Mariah Power, and Auburn Hills-based tool and die maker DieTronik.

"Manufacturers across all industries are painfully aware that they cannot continue with business as usual, and so they are seeking out new solutions to reduce costs, improve quality, and drive new revenue," Mark Symonds, Plex Systems' president and CEO, said in a statement.